Tuesday, April 21, 2009

This chocolate bread pudding could be renamed "Susan Boyle" pudding in honor of her amazing talent. If you haven't seen the video yet, check it out and come on back. Last I looked, 34 million plus people had viewed it, and it still gives me shivers every time I watch it.

Like Susan Boyle, this pudding is an old-fashioned dessert that "transcends its homey origins." I love the custard-y, delicately flavored middle with a tinge of crustiness on the outside in each bite. Since my favorite bread pudding is plain old vanilla, I divided my recipe in half and added the chocolate to one pan and vanilla to the other.

The pudding is baked in a water bath to avoid the custard from curdling or drying out. Next time, I want to try making this pudding with a more interesting bread, like brioche.

Bread pudding is one of those feel good desserts. I also prefer vanilla but there is a really good one for sweet almond bread pudding in the swee melissa baking book. I make it with brioche and its incredible.

I like the fact that you did two versions. I am such a fan of plain old bread pudding that I would hate to risk using chocolate in it. But doing both versions -- now that's a plan!! Beautifully executed!

You'll love either the brioche or challah. Those little "bread sponges" deliver such buttery flavor. Yum ! The pan you used is perfect and thanks for the lovely link to Susan's performance. Isn't she amazing. I love it when the underdog knocks your socks off. Great job, Shari.AmyRuth